A new era for Central Taiwan’s global engagement begins as the Taichung International Convention and Exhibition Center (TICEC), operated by the Taiwan External Trade Development Council (TAITRA), officially launches trial operations today.
Located in the heart of the Shuinan Economic and Trade Park, TICEC integrates green architecture, smart technology, and sustainability, setting a new international-standard platform for exhibitions and conventions in Central Taiwan.
Hardware Expo Kicks Off Trial Operations
The first event during trial operations — the Taiwan International Hardware & Tools Expo x Hardware Industry Show — features the theme “Tools Connect the World.” The exhibition brings together 361 domestic and international brands across 800 booths, covering 8,000 square meters to showcase Taiwan’s innovation and export strength in the hardware and hand tool industries.
President Lai Ching-te attended the opening ceremony, joined by Taichung Mayor Lu Shiow-yen, TAITRA Chairman James Huang, and other government and industry leaders. President Lai highlighted Taiwan’s hand tool industry as a cornerstone of SME exports, known for its high quality, resilience, and speedy delivery. He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to strengthening Taiwan’s role in global supply chains and supporting TICEC’s second-phase development.
Strengthening Global Linkages from Central Taiwan
TAITRA Chairman James Huang emphasized Taichung’s position at the heart of Taiwan’s precision machinery, aerospace, bicycle, and hand tool clusters. Through TICEC, international buyers can easily connect trade shows with factory visits, deepening business exchanges and cooperation.
He added that TAITRA will leverage its national network and overseas promotion resources to make TICEC a driving force for Central Taiwan’s industries to expand globally.
Smart, Green, and Sustainable: A New Benchmark
Inspired by the concept of the “Gateway Tree” and the “Magic Carpet” design, TICEC symbolizes Taiwan’s industries taking root locally and soaring internationally.
The center spans 38,916 square meters, accommodating over 1,600 standard booths and flexible conference spaces for 30 to 10,000 participants. It is also Taiwan’s first “Diamond-grade Green Building” certified exhibition venue, equipped with AI navigation, smart energy management, and multilingual intelligent services to provide an innovative and sustainable exhibition experience.
Driving Regional Growth
Following its inaugural hardware expo, TICEC will host major upcoming events, including the 2025 Taichung Machine Tool & Smart Manufacturing Show in November and the 2026 TMTS Taiwan International Machine Tool Show. Over 50 professional and consumer exhibitions are scheduled in 2026, expected to boost Central Taiwan’s precision machinery, aerospace, and cycling industries — and invigorate the regional economy.
The successful launch of TICEC marks a milestone in central–local collaboration and public-private partnership. With TICEC as its hub, TAITRA aims to enhance Taiwan’s MICE capabilities, strengthen global industry linkages, and build a sustainable, interconnected future for Central Taiwan.
